DIY Haircut: A Comprehensive Guide to Cutting Your Own Hair at Home
Cutting your own hair at home can seem daunting, but with the right tools, techniques, and a healthy dose of patience, it’s entirely achievable. Whether you’re looking to save money, maintain your current style between salon visits, or simply experiment with a new look, this comprehensive guide will walk you through the process step-by-step. We’ll cover everything from gathering the necessary tools to mastering various cutting techniques for different hair types and styles. Remember to start small, be cautious, and don’t be afraid to seek professional help if you’re not comfortable with any step. This guide aims to empower you to take control of your hair and achieve a satisfying DIY haircut.
## Before You Begin: Preparation is Key
Before you even think about picking up a pair of scissors, thorough preparation is crucial for a successful DIY haircut. This involves gathering the right tools, preparing your hair, and setting up your workspace.
### 1. Gather Your Tools
Investing in high-quality tools is essential for achieving a professional-looking result. Avoid using household scissors, as they can damage your hair and create uneven cuts. Here’s a list of the tools you’ll need:
* **Haircutting Shears:** These are specifically designed for cutting hair and have sharp, precise blades. Look for shears made of high-quality stainless steel for durability and performance. A good pair can be found for around $30-$100.
* **Thinning Shears (Optional):** These shears have teeth that remove a portion of the hair, creating texture and reducing bulk. They’re useful for blending layers and softening harsh lines. However, they require practice to use effectively, so consider skipping them if you’re a beginner. Prices range from $25-$80.
* **Hair Cutting Comb:** A fine-toothed comb is essential for sectioning and guiding your hair while cutting. Opt for a comb made of heat-resistant material if you plan to use heat styling tools after your haircut.
* **Spray Bottle:** A spray bottle filled with clean water will help you keep your hair damp throughout the cutting process. This is especially important for those with curly or thick hair, as it makes the hair more manageable.
* **Hair Clips:** Use hair clips to section off your hair and keep it out of the way while you’re working on other sections. Duckbill clips or alligator clips are ideal.
* **Mirror:** You’ll need at least one large mirror to see the front of your hair. Ideally, use a second handheld mirror to view the back of your head. Proper visibility is crucial for even cuts.
* **Towel or Cape:** Drape a towel or cape around your shoulders to protect your clothing from hair clippings. An old t-shirt can also work in a pinch.
* **Vacuum Cleaner:** Be prepared to clean up the hair clippings after your haircut. A vacuum cleaner with a hose attachment will make the job easier.
### 2. Prepare Your Hair
The way you prepare your hair before cutting will depend on your hair type and the desired style. However, here are some general guidelines:
* **Wash and Condition:** Start with clean, conditioned hair. This will remove any dirt, oil, or product buildup that could interfere with the cutting process. Use a shampoo and conditioner that are suitable for your hair type.
* **Dry or Damp Hair?** Whether you cut your hair dry or damp depends on your hair type and the style you’re aiming for.
* **Dry Cutting:** Dry cutting is generally recommended for curly hair, as it allows you to see the natural curl pattern and avoid cutting off too much length. It’s also suitable for maintaining layers in long hair.
* **Damp Cutting:** Damp cutting is ideal for straight or wavy hair, as it makes the hair more manageable and allows for precise cuts. However, be mindful that hair shrinks as it dries, so avoid cutting too short.
* **Detangle:** Thoroughly detangle your hair with a wide-tooth comb or a detangling brush. Knots and tangles can create uneven cuts.
### 3. Set Up Your Workspace
Choose a well-lit area with a large mirror and enough space to move around comfortably. Cover the floor with newspaper or a drop cloth to catch hair clippings. Ensure you have easy access to your tools and a wastebasket for disposing of hair.
## Basic Hair Cutting Techniques
Once you’ve gathered your tools and prepared your hair and workspace, it’s time to learn some basic hair cutting techniques. These techniques can be adapted to suit different hair types and styles.
### 1. Point Cutting
Point cutting is a technique used to soften the ends of the hair and create texture. It involves holding the shears at a slight angle and making small, vertical cuts into the ends of the hair.
* **How to do it:**
1. Hold a small section of hair between your fingers.
2. Position the shears at a slight angle, pointing downwards.
3. Make small, vertical snips into the ends of the hair. The deeper the snips, the more texture you’ll create.
4. Repeat this process around the entire perimeter of your hair.
### 2. Blunt Cutting
Blunt cutting is a technique used to create a clean, even line. It involves cutting the hair straight across with the shears.
* **How to do it:**
1. Hold a section of hair between your fingers, ensuring it’s taut and straight.
2. Position the shears horizontally, parallel to the floor.
3. Cut the hair straight across in one smooth motion.
4. Repeat this process around the entire perimeter of your hair.
### 3. Layering
Layering involves cutting the hair at different lengths to create volume and movement. There are several different layering techniques, but we’ll focus on the most common one: the elevation technique.
* **How to do it (Elevation Technique):**
1. Section off a portion of hair at the crown of your head.
2. Comb the hair straight up, holding it perpendicular to your head.
3. Decide how much length you want to remove and cut the hair at that point.
4. This will create your guide length for the layers.
5. Take down another section of hair and comb it up to meet the guide length.
6. Cut the hair to match the guide length.
7. Repeat this process around the entire head, working in sections.
8. Once you’ve layered all of your hair, point cut the ends to soften the layers.
### 4. Texturizing
Texturizing involves removing weight from the hair to create movement and reduce bulk. This can be done using thinning shears or by point cutting.
* **How to do it (with Thinning Shears):**
1. Take a small section of hair.
2. Hold the thinning shears at a slight angle.
3. Make a few snips into the middle of the section, avoiding the roots and ends.
4. Repeat this process around the entire head, focusing on areas that feel heavy or bulky.
* **How to do it (with Point Cutting):**
1. Follow the point cutting technique described earlier, but make deeper snips to remove more weight.
2. Focus on areas that feel heavy or bulky.
## Step-by-Step Hair Cutting Guides for Different Styles
Now that you’ve learned the basic hair cutting techniques, let’s dive into step-by-step guides for different styles.
### 1. Trimming Your Ends
Trimming your ends is the simplest DIY haircut and a great way to maintain healthy hair and prevent split ends. Aim to trim your ends every 6-8 weeks.
* **What You’ll Need:**
* Haircutting shears
* Hair cutting comb
* Spray bottle
* Mirror
* **Instructions:**
1. **Prepare your hair:** Wash, condition, and detangle your hair. Decide whether you want to cut your hair dry or damp, depending on your hair type. (Dry for curly, damp for straight/wavy).
2. **Section your hair:** Divide your hair into two equal sections, one on each side of your head.
3. **Comb the first section:** Comb the first section straight down, ensuring it’s smooth and detangled.
4. **Determine the length:** Decide how much length you want to remove. Start with a small amount, as you can always cut more later.
5. **Cut the hair:** Hold the hair between your fingers at the desired length. Use the blunt cutting technique to cut the hair straight across.
6. **Repeat on the other side:** Repeat steps 3-5 on the other section of hair.
7. **Check for evenness:** Compare the two sides to ensure they’re even. If necessary, trim any uneven pieces.
8. **Point cut the ends (optional):** Use the point cutting technique to soften the ends and create texture.
### 2. Cutting Long Layers
Cutting long layers can add volume and movement to your hair without sacrificing length. This technique works best on hair that is at least shoulder-length.
* **What You’ll Need:**
* Haircutting shears
* Hair cutting comb
* Spray bottle
* Hair clips
* Mirror
* **Instructions:**
1. **Prepare your hair:** Wash, condition, and detangle your hair. Damp hair is recommended for this style.
2. **Section your hair:** Divide your hair into four sections: two in the front and two in the back. Secure each section with a hair clip.
3. **Release the first front section:** Take down one of the front sections and comb it forward over your face.
4. **Determine the layer length:** Decide how short you want the first layer to be. This will depend on your face shape and personal preference. A good starting point is around chin length.
5. **Cut the hair:** Hold the hair between your fingers at the desired length. Use the point cutting technique to cut the hair at a slight angle, blending it into the surrounding hair.
6. **Repeat on the other front section:** Repeat steps 3-5 on the other front section of hair, ensuring the layers are even.
7. **Release the back sections:** Take down the back sections of hair and comb them straight down.
8. **Determine the back layer length:** Decide how short you want the back layers to be. They should be slightly longer than the front layers.
9. **Cut the hair:** Hold the hair between your fingers at the desired length. Use the point cutting technique to cut the hair at a slight angle, blending it into the surrounding hair.
10. **Repeat on the other back section:** Repeat steps 7-9 on the other back section of hair, ensuring the layers are even.
11. **Check for evenness:** Compare all four sections to ensure the layers are even. If necessary, trim any uneven pieces.
12. **Texturize (optional):** Use thinning shears or point cutting to texturize the layers and remove any bulk.
### 3. Cutting a Fringe (Bangs)
Cutting a fringe (bangs) can dramatically change your appearance. It’s important to be cautious and start with a small amount of hair, as you can always cut more later. There are many types of bangs (straight, side-swept, curtain bangs), each with its own specific technique. We will cover straight bangs.
* **What You’ll Need:**
* Haircutting shears
* Hair cutting comb
* Spray bottle
* Hair clips
* Mirror
* **Instructions:**
1. **Prepare your hair:** Wash, condition, and detangle your hair. Damp hair is recommended for this style.
2. **Section off the fringe:** Use a comb to section off the hair that will become your fringe. The size and shape of the section will depend on the type of fringe you want. For straight bangs, create a triangular section at the front of your head, with the point of the triangle ending near the crown of your head.
3. **Clip back the remaining hair:** Secure the remaining hair with hair clips to keep it out of the way.
4. **Comb the fringe forward:** Comb the sectioned-off hair straight forward over your forehead.
5. **Determine the length:** Decide how long you want your fringe to be. A good starting point is just below your eyebrows. Remember that the fringe will shrink slightly as it dries.
6. **Cut the hair:** Hold the hair between your fingers at the desired length. Use the blunt cutting technique to cut the hair straight across.
7. **Point cut the ends (optional):** Use the point cutting technique to soften the ends and create texture. This will prevent the fringe from looking too blunt.
8. **Check for evenness:** Check the fringe in the mirror to ensure it’s even. If necessary, trim any uneven pieces.
9. **Style the fringe:** Style the fringe as desired. You can use a round brush and a hairdryer to create a curved fringe, or you can leave it straight.
### 4. Cutting a Pixie Cut (Advanced)
Cutting a pixie cut is a more advanced DIY haircut that requires precision and skill. It’s best to have some experience cutting hair before attempting this style. It’s also advisable to watch videos specifically for cutting pixie cuts before starting. Because of its complexity, we will only cover the basic steps. **If you’re unsure, seek a professional!**
* **What You’ll Need:**
* Haircutting shears
* Hair cutting comb
* Spray bottle
* Hair clips
* Mirror
* **Instructions:**
1. **Prepare your hair:** Wash, condition, and detangle your hair. Damp hair is recommended for this style.
2. **Section your hair:** Divide your hair into multiple sections: top, sides, and back. Secure each section with hair clips.
3. **Start with the back:** Begin cutting the hair at the nape of the neck, working your way upwards. Use the point cutting technique to create texture and avoid blunt lines.
4. **Move to the sides:** Cut the hair on the sides, blending it into the back. Pay attention to the shape and length of the sideburns.
5. **Cut the top:** Cut the hair on the top of your head, creating the desired length and shape. This is where you can add layers and texture to the pixie cut.
6. **Blend the sections:** Blend all the sections together, ensuring a seamless transition between the back, sides, and top.
7. **Texturize:** Use thinning shears or point cutting to texturize the pixie cut and remove any bulk.
8. **Check for evenness:** Check the pixie cut in the mirror to ensure it’s even and balanced. If necessary, trim any uneven pieces.
9. **Style the pixie cut:** Style the pixie cut as desired. You can use styling products to create texture, volume, and hold.
## Tips for a Successful DIY Haircut
Here are some additional tips to help you achieve a successful DIY haircut:
* **Start small:** It’s always better to cut off too little hair than too much. You can always go back and cut more later.
* **Be patient:** Don’t rush the process. Take your time and focus on each section of hair.
* **Use a guide:** If you’re cutting layers or a fringe, use a guide to ensure evenness. A comb or your fingers can serve as a guide.
* **Check your work:** Regularly check your work in the mirror to ensure you’re achieving the desired result.
* **Don’t be afraid to ask for help:** If you’re unsure about any step, don’t hesitate to ask a friend or family member for help.
* **Consider your hair type:** Different hair types require different cutting techniques. Research the best techniques for your hair type before you start.
* **Watch tutorials:** There are many online tutorials that can provide visual guidance and tips for cutting hair at home. Watch a few tutorials before you start to get a better understanding of the process.
* **Practice makes perfect:** The more you cut your own hair, the better you’ll become at it. Don’t be discouraged if your first attempt isn’t perfect.
## Common Mistakes to Avoid
* **Using dull scissors:** Dull scissors can damage your hair and create uneven cuts. Always use sharp, high-quality haircutting shears.
* **Cutting too much hair at once:** It’s always better to cut off too little hair than too much. Start with a small amount and gradually cut more if needed.
* **Cutting wet hair too short:** Hair shrinks as it dries, so avoid cutting wet hair too short. If you’re cutting wet hair, leave it slightly longer than you want it to be.
* **Ignoring your hair’s natural texture:** Consider your hair’s natural texture when cutting it. For example, curly hair should be cut dry to avoid cutting off too much length.
* **Not sectioning your hair properly:** Sectioning your hair properly is essential for achieving an even haircut. Use hair clips to keep the sections separate and organized.
* **Cutting against your natural hair growth:** Cutting against your natural hair growth can create uneven cuts and make your hair difficult to style.
* **Not blending the layers:** If you’re cutting layers, be sure to blend them properly to create a seamless transition between the different lengths.
## When to Seek Professional Help
While DIY haircuts can be a great way to save money and maintain your style, there are times when it’s best to seek professional help.
* **If you’re making a drastic change:** If you’re planning to make a significant change to your hairstyle, such as cutting off a lot of length or trying a new style, it’s best to see a professional.
* **If you have complex hair:** If you have very thick, curly, or otherwise complex hair, it may be difficult to cut it yourself. A professional stylist will have the experience and expertise to handle your hair type.
* **If you’re not confident:** If you’re not confident in your ability to cut your own hair, don’t force it. It’s better to pay for a professional haircut than to risk a bad DIY haircut.
* **To fix mistakes:** If you’ve made a mistake while cutting your own hair, it’s best to see a professional to fix it. Trying to fix it yourself could make the problem worse.
## Conclusion
Cutting your own hair at home can be a rewarding experience. By following these tips and techniques, you can achieve a satisfying DIY haircut and save money on salon visits. Remember to be patient, start small, and don’t be afraid to seek professional help if you’re not comfortable with any step. With practice and perseverance, you can become a DIY hair cutting pro!
**Disclaimer:** This guide provides general information about cutting hair at home. It is not a substitute for professional advice. Always use caution when using sharp objects and follow safety guidelines. The author and publisher are not responsible for any injuries or damages resulting from the use of this information.